Welcome!
Welcome!
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Fellow history enthusiasts,
As a docent with Museums of the West I often ask students for their definition of “history.” The response is usually something like “the past” or “things that happened a long time ago.” They’re right, but we try to flesh out that definition by adding “it’s the story” of our community and ourselves.
The Mesa County Historical Society has been committed to preserving “our story” for the past 50 years, and we need your help to continue for 50 more.
If you have a passion for the history of the people and places of Mesa County, join us, won’t you, with your ongoing membership and active participation in the coming year.
Sincerely,
Joe Zeni
President MCHS
JOIN US FOR A SPECIAL EVENT
JOIN US FOR A SPECIAL EVENT
The 2026 Western Colorado History Fair
The 2026 Western Colorado History Fair
The Mesa County Historical Society is hosting the 2026 Western Colorado History Fair. With over 30 organizations and individuals from across western Colorado participating, there will be remarkable stories of people, places and events to whet your appetite about the place you live.
FREE Admission.
Refreshments will be provided, and a food truck will be on site.
Map of Participants
Map of Participants
30+ History Booths, including...
30+ History Booths, including...
Atomic Legacy Cabin
Author: Alfreda Beartrack Algeo
Author: Bob Silbernagel
Author: Chris Brown
Author: Dave Fishell
Author: David Bailey
Author: George Decker
Author: Joe Zeni
Author: Joyce Lohse
Author: Matt Darling
Author: Vicky Felmlee
CMU Archaeology Dr. John Seebach
CMU Special Collections - John Werner
Colorado National Monument Then & Now Photo Display - Terri Ahern
Dominquez Archaeological Research Group
Dr. B. Erin Cole - Project Plowshares
Glenwood Springs Historical Society
Gunnison County Pioneer & Historical Society
Handy Chapel and the African American Experience in GJ
Hotchkiss-Crawford Historical Society
Lithic Books
Lower Valley Heritage Chapter
Mesa County Genealogy Society
Mesa County Historical Society
Mesa County Public Library
Museum of the Mountain West
Museums of Western Colorado
Palisade Historical Society
Plateau Valley Historical Preservation Society
Rimrocker Historical Society
Stages of History Chautauqua
Surface Creek Valley Historical Society
Telluride Historical Museum
Territorial Daughters of Colorado
Topaz Japanese American Incarceration Camp Exhibition
Toastmasters International
Ute Indian Museum
Milky Way will be serving refreshments.
The Pali-Thai food truck will be located on site, as well! They will be serving lunch (for purchase) from 11am to 2pm.
Historic Photos
Historic Photos
Scroll through to see historic photos from the 1899 booklet, "Statement of the Resources and Progress of Mesa County, Colorado."
Currently Featured:
Sugar Beet Factory;
Grand Junction High School - as seen from Sixth Street and Rood (where the Courthouse is today). It was built in 1891 and was used until 1911 when a new high school was built on Chipeta. It was commonly known as the Franklin School, the largest building in town when built. The building in the background is the original Lowell School, which was like an elementary school, and was later the first home of Mesa College (now City Hall);
Rapid Creek ranch
As the United States celebrates 250 years (Semiquincentennial), and the State of Colorado celebrates 150 years (Sesquicentennial), join us in celebrating the Sesquisemiquincentennial! Click the logo above for more info!
Interested in getting involved with the Mesa County Historical Society? We have FREE monthly events, and we have volunteer opportunities available!
Another fantastic way to support us is by becoming a member.
Members enjoy special benefits, too!
As a Member of the Mesa County Historical Society, you are entitled to the following perks:
PastTimes Newsletter - printed & delivered to your mailbox bi-annually
Unlimited admission to Museums of the West, Dinosaur Journey, and Cross Orchards, and most museum events, for you and up to 11 guests.
A special invitation to our Annual Picnic
...and more!
Read about our upcoming events and programs in the latest Monthly Missive! Click here to see the archive of all of the issues.
Want to receive this in your Inbox every month? Click here or email us at MesaCountyHS@gmail.com, and we'll add you to the mailing list!
Free to everyone
PastTimes
PastTimes
One of the perks of being a member of the MCHS is receiving a copy of the PastTimes, our bi-annual publication. Our most recent PastTimes was mailed to our membership list in July.
Didn’t get your copy in July? Make sure your membership is up-to-date and that we have your correct address.
Not a member yet? Sign up today! Instructions are listed here.
Members only
History at High Noon - Oct. 15th
History at High Noon - Oct. 15th
Formerly called the Oral History Program, this History at High Noon Series has a catchy new name.
Join us on the third Thursday of each month as MCHS, in cooperation with Mesa County Libraries, presents fascinating programs about the region’s history.
We hope to see you there!
Free to everyone
Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events
The Mesa County Historical Society is involved in different events around the Grand Valley - some are recurring monthly events, and some are more spur-of-the-moment. We have annual events, too. Here is a Google Calendar listing some of them!
*We try to keep this Google Calendar updated, and we're in the process of revamping the website, so please be patient with us. If you have any questions, please contact us!
Page updated
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